Suggestions for new sights?

[rob_noel]

Good afternoon!

I have a Colt 1991A1 that is slowly evolving into a good carry pistol. I say that, as I am taking the improvements one at a time, and slowly. At this point, I have just about everything the way I want it, except for the sights.

I intend to carry the pistol and shoot it a lot. I think I'd like a fairly simple rear sight like the Yost retro rear sight, but I am willing to listen to suggestions. For the front sight, I want something REALLY bright, visible, and tough. Is there a fiberoptic from sight that is tough enough to carry? If so, does it come in a stake-on variety for my Colt? I'd prefer to not have to mill the slide for a front dovetail, but if I must, I must. I'm open to fiberoptic or tritium front sights, so long as they are quick to acquire a sight picture with.

I'm just returning to the 1911 world after a long absence, so I am unfamiliar with the current market in aftermarket goodies.

Your thoughts?

-Rob

[log man]

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr85/logpics/hivizstakeon.jpg
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr85/logpics/hivizstakeon1.jpg

This is the Hiviz on a Series 70. And the sight picture of it.
These are currently in the clearance area at Hiviz and sell for $15.00 and are available in large and small tenon.


LOG

[garrettwc]

The HiViz isn't durable enough for a carry gun. There is not enough shielding to protect the fiber rod from the dings a carry gun gets. It is a fine sight otherwise.

I prefer something like the Novak, EGW, or TruGlo sheilded fiber rod, but they are all dovetails.

http://egw-guns.com/store/images/FiberOpticFS_small.jpg

[El Gato]

+1 for the truglo
get the TFO sights... you will likely have to have the slide milled... good investment in a carry gun...IMHO

http://truglo.com/content/products/firearm/handgun_sights/handgun_sights.asp

[rob_noel]

If I do go the route of getting slide milled for a front dovetail, any recommendations on a smith who does a decent job at a decent price, and isn't backed up for 2 years? Or, better yet, a smith who would mill the slide and install the TFO sight for me?

[log man]

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr85/logpics/hiviz5.jpg
This is the overmolded and nearly indestructible and Hiviz will replace if it is. It was designed for holster carry day in and out.

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr85/logpics/hiviz2-1.jpg

This is the current changeable insert style and will be made in the small and large tenon in 2009. I've not had one break and do of course holster, but I don't use it for a hammer then either. New inserts are cheap and go in and out without a flame, as the clip holds them in so you can change colors at will, no loss.

LOG

[garrettwc]

Novak's has a fairly quick turnaround on simple sight installations if you buy their sight.

For EGW, contact them and ask. They are good people and will work with you to get what you need. They have done some custom stuff for other forum members and always get rave reviews for quality and service.

[garrettwc]

Yeah, logman. Something like that will work. I didn't know HiViz had an overmolded version.

[log man]

Hey, garret, hadn't noticed that you where a Hoosier, as I am a displaced one myself, graduated from Shortridge High School the year after you where born, and get home a couple times a year. I have a place on an acre in Avon.

I don't really have an axe to grind with Hiviz, but they are great people to deal with and I've not had any complaints. I recently used a Caspian on a Commander that had a dove tail very close to the muzzle and had to file the front down so it wouldn't hang over and turned out real nice. So if the OP has his slide cut for a dovetail make sure you plan for contingencies. The pictured overmolded Hiviz is a Springfield cut dovetail.

LOG

[rob_noel]

Thanks to everyone for the great advice and excellent pictures. I really like the looks of that hi-viz sight.

Is there a "standard" front dovetail for most front sights?

[log man]

Thanks to everyone for the great advice and excellent pictures. I really like the looks of that hi-viz sight.

Is there a "standard" front dovetail for most front sights?
Unfotunately rob there are several, 4 or 5 different dovetail cuts and how much of the sight blade hangs over the dovetail varies also. As I said the overmolded one pictured is a Springfield dovetail cut, and should work pretty well with the rear.

LOG

[garrettwc]

Hey, garret, hadn't noticed that you where a Hoosier, as I am a displaced one myself, graduated from Shortridge High School the year after you where born, and get home a couple times a year. I have a place on an acre in Avon.

Yup. Been here all my life. To set in my ways to get displaced now. I'm a downstater (near Louisville, KY) but I'm familiar with where you're from. Spent many a Saturday night in Clermont, and I have family in Boone County.